related to the correct grease.. can anyone point to what is the proper way to service the shimano's clutch (slip friction thingy) ? read inconsistent info...
related to the correct grease.. can anyone point to what is the proper way to service the shimano's clutch (slip friction thingy) ? read inconsistent info on no grease and some oil.. thanks..
I've had great life from my 12 speed XT system. I'm about to replace my 3rd chain and the derailler is certainly showing signs of wear but shifting fine. I always keep the drive chain clean but I wonder if my success is due to the smaller 46 tooth cassette? Possibly less load on the clutch? Or maybe just lucky!
Between my wife's bikes and mine, I've had three Shimano 12-speed derailleurs that arrived with sticking clutches (under-lubricated). Lubing them with the correct Shimano grease fixed that. If you get water ingress and the one-way roller bearing rusts - or if the roller bearing just craps out, replace the clutch mechanism. They're only $12 USD from Universal Cycles.
And yes, oval chainrings seem to wear the Shimano clutches faster. I think I end up cleaning and lubing them (or just replacing them when I feel lazy) once a year or so. But that's all that's really necessary - the derailleurs last for years unless you smash them against rocks too much.
Must have bad luck, but I've busted off two clutch levers in two years. Thankfully, the Shimano SLX clutches are remarkably easy to work on, and the replacement lever is only $7.
Thanks for asking the question that was on my mind. If anyone's wondering, the specific Shimano grease from their repair documentation is called "Grease for Shimano Shadow RD+" and it looks like this: https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=105226
I'm guessing 50 grams of this stuff goes a loooooooooong way
Also if anyone wasn't aware, there is a torx fitting at the back to measure the clutch torque -
https://si.shimano.com/en/dm/LARD002/adjusting_friction
I've had great life from my 12 speed XT system. I'm about to replace my 3rd chain and the derailler is certainly showing signs of wear but shifting fine. I always keep the drive chain clean but I wonder if my success is due to the smaller 46 tooth cassette? Possibly less load on the clutch? Or maybe just lucky!
SRAM clutch you can't service and have to replace the derailleur eventually, or a Shimano clutch you have to service all the time. Pick your poison
Between my wife's bikes and mine, I've had three Shimano 12-speed derailleurs that arrived with sticking clutches (under-lubricated). Lubing them with the correct Shimano grease fixed that. If you get water ingress and the one-way roller bearing rusts - or if the roller bearing just craps out, replace the clutch mechanism. They're only $12 USD from Universal Cycles.
And yes, oval chainrings seem to wear the Shimano clutches faster. I think I end up cleaning and lubing them (or just replacing them when I feel lazy) once a year or so. But that's all that's really necessary - the derailleurs last for years unless you smash them against rocks too much.
Ironic that this post has been going for a couple days and now the pink site has a poll up a out destroying derailleurs.
Must have bad luck, but I've busted off two clutch levers in two years. Thankfully, the Shimano SLX clutches are remarkably easy to work on, and the replacement lever is only $7.
As for the original post, ..stuff wears out.
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